I just watched October Sky, the inspiring movie about a teenage boy living in a coal town in the 50's whose interest in rocketry was ignited by the successful launch of the Russian's Sputnik.  It's based on a true story about Homer Hickam who eventually became a leading NASA scientist.  If you haven't seen it, this is a four hanky movie that guys like also!  It has challenging family dynamics, nerds / athletes friction, sweet boy-girl romance, an awesome teacher, a rigid principal, incipient environmental issues and people all ages overcoming obstacles and learning from their mistakes.

"They say" that we need more scientists and engineers.  Could it be that a future scientist resides in your family?  Do you have a child who wants to know how everything works? takes things apart and puts them back together for the pleasure of it? an artistic child who sees/paints/writes/composes things her/his own unique way?  a child who is drifting unchallenged in school?  Do you like tinkering, fixing things?  Do you have an idea for how to make something better? Do you have an invention in you?

The Maker Faire May 22 & 23 may be just the ticket for your family.  All sorts of tinkerers, creative folks, artists, inventors and the curious are showing or viewing at the DIY Maker Faire.  You could easily spend the entire two days there and not once be bored --that is if your feet and back could handle it!  It may just inspire your children, and you!  Save at least one entire day for the excursion.

Parmalee

Here are a few of the things you can learn at the Maker Faire 2010!

How to:
• shoot a 3D photo with your own digital camera
• become a beekeeper, Beekeepers Guild of San Mateo County
• be a Blanketeer, Binky Patrol
• build your own blinking electronic bug, Blinkybugs
• make a rotational casting machine
• build a taiko drum from a wine barrel
• make your own robot from paper pipes
• make your own car to race on a forty-two foot track, Cub/Boy Scouts
• repurpose a computer hard drive, Disky
• How to build an ECG circuit
• make an album or journal in 15 min with only paper, scissors, and glue
• build a simple MIDI controller, DIY USB MIDI Controller
• draw through subconscious expression, Don't Think, Just Draw!
• form and texture metal
• build a cell out of clay, GalaxyGoo's Cell Project
• make your own 3D dome
• screenprint, sew, and make a beer koozie!
• build and launch a rocket during Maker Faire! LUNAR Rocket Club
• make and launch compressed air rockets
• make a laughing cup, sound sandwiches, and other musical instruments
• make yarn using wool from sheep and spindles made from compact disks
• make 3d animated sculptures
• make glass beads!
• make soap
• cure, smoke, and roast your own bacon
• create dramatic science demonstrations
• control pests without pesticide and grow your own veggies at home
• needle felt mounds of raw wool into a toothy monster.
• make a wallet out of discarded plastic
• make your own Arduino-controlled screen-printed electroluminescent display!
• build robotic warships for combat
• build a robot for fun
• use an Oscilloscope, SF Bay Area Amateur Radio
• make a paper airplane that can flap its wings, tumble, flip over and fly back upside down, loop, spin, and more.... The Paper Airplane Guy
• juggle, The Physics of Juggling
• design and create your own Softies, The Plush Team
• make an eco-conscious weaving project, W4: Woven Wonders, Warp and Weft
• make yogurt

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything >>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

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Rail Trail Fun and Fitness Festival, Amgen Tour of California--Santa Cruz
Pro jumpers, a train/bike ride and more. A festival for all ages!

5/15  Festival is free.  Ride is $10/adults & $5/kids; Purchase in advance or cash only the day of.

8am Kids Safety Demo.  Bike Rodeo, Kids Bicycle Safety Skills Obstacle Course (ages 4-12)

9am Day of Ride Registration, Music, Information, food and train loading begins

10am Train leaves for Roaring Camp with bikes and riders  ~  1:30pm Ride finishes at Depot Park (Children 7 & under must be accompanied by their parent and ride in a kid's seat, trailer or attached seat/wheel.

12:30 - 3pm  Jump Jam  Watch local pros catch big air at the bike park.Bike demos, Classes, Raffle, Music, DJ, Kid activities, Amgen Tour local merchandise available, Food & Drink provided by New Leaf with cooking demos, and wellness/nutrition talks

Enjoy a festival atmosphere with food, music and more all the while supporting the Amgen Tour of California Santa Cruz.  Depot Park, 119 Center St., Santa Cruz (831)428-9636